ESRB On Nier: "Fountain-Like Cascades Of Blood"
NierWe've already given you our Nier preview but sometimes, the ESRB's detailed description that accompanies a rating offers even more insight into the look and feel of the game.
Not surprisingly, Square-Enix's adult-oriented action/RPG has received an "M-Mature" rating from the ESRB, and according to the full explanation, there are plenty of reasons to hide the kiddies in this one. Square-Enix isn't exactly well known for controversial depictions of violence and other questionable content, but after seeing and hearing more about Nier, it seems clear their "Westward push" won't include moogles. At least, not here. The ESRB talks about how the game is played and what the characters do - as you can see - and then gets into the nitty-gritty:
"The dense fountain-like cascades of blood (along with the language) factor highly into the Mature rating: blood will spray, cascading and arching—sometimes in slow-motion—across the battlefield when creatures are attacked; blood also stains the ground, covers characters (one in a white dress), fills up a sink, spurts. The aforementioned language is strong, often employed for comedic effect rather than profane slur: "f**ks, "a*sholes," "bullsh*ts," and "sh*t hogs" (a comrade questions the validity of the word) get sprinkled in the dialogue. And throughout the quest, a hermaphrodite character (female traits emphasized) wears a revealing outfit that exposes most of the buttocks, in most of his/her scenes; depictions of jiggling breasts and deep cleavage are applied to various female characters as well."
There's that hermaphrodite reference again and we already knew about the strong language. The copious amounts of blood is a tad surprising, just because we still have difficulty equating that feature to Square-Enix. I know they're no longer Squaresoft and I know they also have Eidos and a new direction under their belt these days, but...aren't these the same people that gave us the relatively wholesome Final Fantasy titles? Yeah, there was some cleavage but this is little shocking, ya know?
Related Game(s): Nier
1/16/2010 10:33:16 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (59 posts)
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:45:10 PM
3 up, 0 down
godsman
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:14:36 PM
1 up, 0 down
FullmetalX10
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:56:12 AM
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Hearing the sound of this article it doesn't sound much like a game I would buy, with all this revealing hermaphrodite stuff, dun rlly compare much to titles like FFX, even though it isn't in the same style.
Last edited by FullmetalX10 on 1/16/2010 10:56:47 AM
0 up, 0 down
Feregrin
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 11:28:49 AM
3 up, 0 down
rossinator_99
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:56:35 AM
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5 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 11:16:33 AM
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fuu this game
2 up, 4 down
Feregrin
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 11:27:16 AM
5 up, 1 down
Oxvial
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:12:50 PM
3 up, 0 down
Feregrin
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 1:09:35 PM
You kind of contradict yourself, talking of how an immature game this is etc. etc. when you yourself use stuff like "fu" and "cheap whore" in your posts. >_>
5 up, 2 down
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 1:51:54 PM
You pick at his use of language, but you don't counter his point.
2 up, 5 down
Oxvial
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 3:42:42 PM
1 up, 5 down
lMephisto
Monday, January 18, 2010 @ 9:16:49 AM
When the devs understand that Mature isn't something strictly related to your age, Mature games will be different
0 up, 0 down
JackC8
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 11:25:41 AM
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Hmmm...this just moved up a couple of slots on my wishlist :)
4 up, 0 down
fluffer nutter
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 11:26:31 AM
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5 up, 0 down
Mystearica
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 11:54:08 AM
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Anywayz, the thing is I'm glad there are adult geared RPGs since almost all adult games are just plain shooters/action oriented games
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:43:51 PM
3 up, 0 down
Feregrin
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 1:24:56 PM
It's an action RPG made by Squeenix, Nier has the potential to be one of the better RPGs on the market aimed at adults so give it some slack 'til we actually have enough information. I bet I wasn't the only one who was skeptical about Batman: AA (since practically every other Batman game is crap), but look at how it turned out. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover as they say.
Last edited by Feregrin on 1/16/2010 1:27:54 PM
4 up, 1 down
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 1:49:18 PM
I'm not saying it's supposed to be played by anyone other than adults. The point I am making is that in order to make a piece of entertainment that is intended for grown ups, you don't have to add fountains of blood, gratuitous swearing and questionable sexuality.
If anything gratuitous swearing is a sign of immaturity, as is a gleeful desire to see fountains of blood. I'm not sure that playing the titillation card with a hermaphrodite character that's skimpily dressed is particularly mature either.
These things do not make a game mature - as in grown up, they make it mature as in requiring an M rating, that's all.
2 up, 1 down
Feregrin
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 1:53:35 PM
Either way I don't really care if there is blood or swearing, I want the story to be good and that the gameplay is at least enjoyable. Time will tell.
Last edited by Feregrin on 1/16/2010 1:54:16 PM
7 up, 1 down
Dancemachine55
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 12:01:46 AM
Some could argue that Mario is a great adult game because of the nostalgia and multiplayer. Heavy Rain is a great adult game because of the story, not just cos it has violence, blood spray, swearing or partial nudity in it (which it does, but it's not the drawing feature)
0 up, 0 down
Qubex
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:34:10 PM
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"Nier" looks like it is breaking all the rules, huh?
Q!
"i am home"
1 up, 0 down
Deleted User
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:40:40 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:43:07 PM
4 up, 1 down
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:42:12 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 12:59:30 PM
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Wonder how this will do over there
Blood doesn't influence me at all (so if squeeenix thought we'd all get it 'cause of that, then lol@them)
0 up, 0 down
SnipeySnake
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 1:53:54 PM
Reply
1 up, 1 down
SnipeySnake
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 5:00:53 PM
Last edited by SnipeySnake on 1/16/2010 5:01:05 PM
0 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 2:22:15 PM
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1 up, 1 down
Orvisman
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 2:44:35 PM
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1 up, 0 down
ExhumeART
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 3:56:32 PM
Reply
Last edited by ExhumeART on 1/16/2010 3:58:54 PM
0 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 4:16:34 PM
No offense, but this is ridiculous. I can't even begin to get into it.
4 up, 0 down
ExhumeART
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:01:53 PM
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:46:26 PM
You'd be surprised how many people read hear, and how many who comment here actually do read both the articles and comments before posting replies.
4 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 12:06:32 AM
When not working or playing games, if I don't have the energy to do anything physical, I jump on here and read the latest news and check out people's opinions.
This comments section is very interesting to people like me, which is everyone here by the looks of things.
4 up, 0 down
Banky A
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 4:09:17 PM
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Cool man, cool.
3 up, 0 down
Gamer Girl Gemo
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 4:41:29 PM
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Lol anyway, it sounds like they're trying to one-up Dragon Age, seeing as blood plays a major role in Dragon Age. Square-Enix took the idea of, "Oh look at all the adult themes in Dragon Age! They're racking up the money! Get ready for a knock off guys! We're so in on this money roll..."
Don't get me wrong though! I love Square-Enix and we've all been a little RPG deprived until Dragon Age came around, so why not one more?
Bring on the blood "fountains"!
4 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 12:10:08 AM
As for games that kick ass, I've got my money on Mass Effect 2, Heavy Rain and God of War 3.
0 up, 0 down
Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 12:42:37 AM
Lol yeah female lead characters are always awesome, but that isn't quite what I meant. With all the women on this game being every male's fantasy, and I quote: "depictions of jiggling breasts and deep cleavage are applied to various female characters as well."
Why can't us girl gamers have a bit of some male sexiness like they do female sexiness? Does it hurt to put a few shirtless, half naked as well, guys in the game? But, I guess that won't be happening this game around.
We'll just have to see the drooling of the males continue... Slobs xD
4 up, 0 down
Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 12:44:49 AM
Oh, and on another note, if the gameplay kicks ass, I have no problem dealing with all the cleavage and such... Gameplay's good, we're all good!
5 up, 0 down
H8WL3R
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 7:17:44 AM
I too tend to agree most games appeal more to hetero males. I guess to some bi males/females "depictions of jiggling breasts and deep cleavage applied to various female characters" would likely be just as appealing too. So there is much to be desired for the sexually orientated hetero women and homo men in terms of sexually appealing characters or character objectification.
Now in closer relation to the topic at hand, yeah I do think this is a different direction for Sqare-Enix based on what they released thus far. As others have mentioned (and as generally viewed) maturity isn't usually associated with: incessantly swearing, craving/performing brutal acts of violence, being publicly scantily clad and flaunting ones physical attributes and/or sexuality gratuitously. I tend to agree with this as well. I would like to see some more variety though as well as a wider spectrum in characterization overall, including but not limited to physical attributes and sexual orientation.
I don't know much about this game, but it does seem somewhat interesting and I'd likely give it a try (being a demo or someone I know who'd have it).
If you're read all this thanks for your time and attention. Peace and later.
1 up, 0 down
Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 4:33:14 PM
Hello to you too! Thanks for the agreement and such and I also agree with your whole "As others have mentioned (and as generally viewed) maturity isn't usually associated with: incessantly swearing, craving/performing brutal acts of violence, being publicly scantily clad and flaunting ones physical attributes and/or sexuality gratuitously. I tend to agree with this as well. I would like to see some more variety though as well as a wider spectrum in characterization overall, including but not limited to physical attributes and sexual orientation."
True, couldn't have said it better myself, and to the point! I'm also extremely anxious to see how this game will be and how it will turn out. So far, I'm going to buy it as soon as I get enough money... Oh, how I wish I wasn't poor...
On another note, there do need to be more girl gamers! It can get kinda lonely! Lol and the Wii is okay... Doesn't have the greatest graphics, but they focus more on how great the game needs to be rather than graphics. Which we need a whole lot more of these days! (Except Uncharted 2, they got the whole lot!)
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 6:06:09 PM
Hmmmm, I wonder that if any game would have what you'd like, maybe it could be Heavy Rain?
I'm just saying....seeing as how they want to keep it real true to life & full of mature content.
0 up, 0 down
Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 8:47:54 PM
I expect nothing less than the finest for Heavy Rain! Seeing as they're saying Heavy Rain is supposed to beat Uncharted 2's graphics. Hm... Hard to imagine, but I know we'll all be blown away by the quality of the storyline and the graphics itself.
And thank God it's NOT limited by becoming a multiplat!
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 4:56:32 PM
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I think it might turn out okay as long as people don't take it seriously, like Bayonetta, it is clearly meant to be so lame it is cool. Kill Bill was awesome and look at all the unnecessary blood in it.
5 up, 0 down
Alienange
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 9:58:21 PM
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0 up, 4 down
kokoro
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:18:50 PM
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But none of this can be done before they stop making beautiful games (which admittedly was some time ago) and start pumping loads of gore and violence into their new games.
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:48:06 PM
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 11:37:58 PM
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Would that be Microsoft, or Roto-Rooter????
Oh snap....they're both company's that immerse themselves in shit!
So either way, it's still the same ole shiiiiit.
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 1:18:23 AM
1 up, 0 down
just2skillf00l
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 1:51:24 AM
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3 up, 0 down
Yukian
Sunday, January 17, 2010 @ 11:04:03 PM
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1 up, 0 down
D1g1tal5torm
Monday, January 18, 2010 @ 4:36:21 AM
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So, it's no surprise to see devs jumping on the bandwagon in trying to secure their own piece of the lucrative pie.
1 up, 0 down
Vagnor
Monday, January 18, 2010 @ 2:41:44 PM
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As for the hermaphrodite, well, I am assuming it is put in for comedic value. When people these days laugh at stuff like Borat, South Park, Family Guy, etc., I'm pretty sure the presence of a hermaphrodite in a video game won't offend your delicate sensibilities. As for the breasts... Men like them, women like having them because men like them, and if neither of those are true, then you are either homosexual or asexual. The majority of us aren't. That's why advertising uses them, that's why girls pick having bigger breasts when creating avatars than picking smaller breasts, and that's why whole genres of pornography are dedicated to them. Is it a necessary addition to a video game? No. Will a large amount of people enjoy it? Yes. That's all that matters.
Please go read a review of the game before picking it apart. Or better yet, play it first. Even Mario could sound bad from an ESRB rating.
- Sean Casey
P.S. This is targeted at the people making comments here, not the author of the original post. I enjoyed the read, Ben. :P
Last edited by Vagnor on 1/18/2010 2:43:48 PM
0 up, 0 down
WolfCrimson
Reply
Saturday, January 16, 2010 @ 10:51:38 AM
...
Oh wait, we're talking about Squeenix here? So this is why FFXIII is ruined, huh? For fountains of blood? Those sh*t hogs! Gimme my moogle!